Ink equalizer for printing presses



April 21, 1931. s. B. LESTNER INK EQUALIZER FOR PRINTING PRESSES F'iled Nov. 1929 Patented Apr. 21 1931 UNlTED STATES SAMUEL IB. LESTNER, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK INK EQUALIZER FOP. PRINTING PRESSES Application filed November 27, 1929. Serial No. 410,034;

This invention relatesto ink fountains forrintin resses.

One object of the invention is to provide an improveddevice of the character described 53in which an equalized feed ofink shall be supplied to the proper coacting parts ofa rintin press, although the consumption of ink may vary at different points thereon.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of the nature set forth in which improved means permit a considerable saving in ink because .the quantity of ink in the press may beadjusted according to substantially the precise amount that any given v job may require. 7

'Another object of the invention is to furnish an improved device of the type specified in which the ink lasts the longest time without becoming stale, and stirring or driving of the ink manually .by the operator is dispensed with.

Another object of the invention is to construct a device oft-he class alluded to having improved means dividing the ink fountain to aiford an ink supply section of a size to hold the requisite amount of ink for an efficient feeding action, which means is easily adjusted to vary the size of said section; and also to provide an improved construction to facili- L39 tate the'removal of said means from the fountain; and further to mount said means in an improved manner to permit the same to Preferably automatically render said section substantially fluid tight with respect to the ini clined bottom-of the ink fountain, and still further, to provide an improved construction that permits easy presetting of said means according to the size of the said section that is required and to permit the same to be rapidly reset at will, or even to cause the said means.

to constantly press the ink into feeding relation.

A- further obj ect of the invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned having fewiand simple parts, which is inexpensive to manufacture, rugged, reliable, and eliicient in use-toahigh degree.

Other obj ectsand advantages of the inven'- tion will become, apparent as the specification proceeds.

l/Vith the aforesaid objects in view, the inventionconsists in the novel combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described in their preferred embodiments, pointed out in the subjoined claims, and illustrated on the annexed drawing, wherein like parts are designated by the same reference characters throughout the several views.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a plan View of a device embodyw ing the invention showing the application of the same to a printing press,'of which a portion is disclosed. I

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in vertical section of the same taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

- Fig. 3 isa fragmentary view in elevation showing details of the invention including the means for initially setting the blade.

Fig.4 is a view in vertical section taken on line 44 of Fig. 3. e

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail of parts of the fountain adjusting means in modified form.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the same. 7 1

The advantages of the invention as here outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities are combined in one and the same structure, but, useful devices may be produced embodying less than the whole. 1 I I It will be obvious to those skilled in theart to which this invention appertains, that the same maybe incorporated in several different constructions. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submitted merely as show ing the preferred exemplification of the invention. I

Printing presses of various types, among which may be mentioned the so called Kelly press, are constructed with an ink fountain with which an ink distributing roller, 01' an equivalent device, is in communication. Even though the job to be printed is a small one, a 95 considerable amount of ink must be placed into the fountain to assure the proper feed of the ink therefrom, since the feed occurs by ravity, and furthermore, the density of the ink may vary for work of various kinds,

, bearings on the fountain in which the blade is pivotally mounted to swing toward or and also the amount of ink to be received from the fountain at various points therealong, as is well known in the art. Consequently a considerable waste of ink occurs, as in cleaning the fountain, and because the ink changes in density after exposure to the air for a certain len h of time, and must thereforebe discarded. urthermore, the operator must continually watch the ink and press the same down toward the distributing roller, especially at those points of the fountain where the consumption of ink is greatest. lVhere the fountain is disposed beneath the table of the printing press, the operator must insert his hand, and runs the risk of injury thereto b the moving parts of the machinery, and a so he may soil with the ink the carrier belts that supply the paper sheets so that the latter will in turn become stained. By this invention, it is sought to overcome these handicaps and to diminish the amount of work and attention required of the operator.

Generally described, the invention provides means which may be in any suitable form, as, for example, a blade to divide the ink fountain of a rinting press into two sections, but one of which is in communication with an ink distributing roller, this section alone receiving the ink. This blade is in relative roximity to the said roller, and thus causes the latter to stir all the ink thoroughly, due to the rotation of the roller. The blade is adjustable to vary the size of the communicating section according to the amount of ink to be received therein, which can be readily estimated by the printer. For this purpose the blade can be mounted for movement in various ways in the fountain, but in all cases, it is preferably stationary, although it can be ad1usted from time to time as the ink in the fountain diminishes. The manner of mounting the blade can vary, but for purposes of illustration, I show a plurality of away from the roller. In every case, the blade is in contact with the inclined bottom of the fountain, and it may be moved manually into the said contact, or automatically by reason of its weight, or by spring means. To facilitate presetting of the blade, a suitable indicating means, such as, for instance, a handle, and suitable coacting parts, as a spring, may co-operate, thus permitting also an easy resettin of the blade. To permit the blade to be easily cleaned, it is removable bodily from the fountain by making one of the bearings relatively movable, in which case the other bearing may be rigid or stationary, and no parts may become lost. If desired the blade ma be made to automatically press on the ink an take 11 the consumption thereon. Thus the level 0 the ink may be maintained. In any event, this invention contemplates a closer and more extended contact between the ink and the distributing roller than has been heretofore accomplished.

Referring in detail to the drawin 10 denotes a portion of a printing press witTi which the invention is used. This may include a bottom 11 and side walls 12 and 13. Journaled in the side walls is an ink distributing roller 14 or other ink distributing member. Contacting the roller 14 may be other ink distributing rollers 15. The wall 11 has a portion 16 extending upward at an incline providing a fountain 17 with which the roller 1 1 is in communication. The bottom of the fountain is constituted of a flat member 18 secured by screws 19 and having a thin resilient portion 20, the edge of which is relatively close to the roller 14%. The clearance space 21 governs as to the quantity of ink that will be received by the said roller from the fountain. The quantity of ink to be received by the roller 1 1 will vary at different points therealong, depending on the density of the printed matter at the corresponding points. To adjust the feed of ink accordingly, a plurality of spaced arms 22 are pivoted on a rod 23 that extends lengthwise of the fountain and is set into a recess 24:, with the said arms beneath the adjustable fountain portion 20. The free ends of the arms are adjacent to the edge of the portion 20, and co-operating therewith are a plurality of spaced screws 25, whose conical ends contact the ends of the undersides of the arms, there being one screw for each arm, and each screw being separately actuated to move its arm, and in turn adjust the corresponding parts of the portion 20 in its clearance with the roller 14. The above description is given not with the intention of limiting the invention to any particular printing press construction, but rather to clearly indicate one possible application of the same, and to render the peculiar problems that are overcome by this invention clearly understood. It may be added that in certain types of printing presses, a table 26 is disposed over the fountain 17, and this table furthermore has carrier belts 27 for the paper guided on pulleys 28, 29 and the idlers 30, so that these carrier belts on the underside of the table are in comparatively close proximity to the fountain. Consequently, if the operator has to manipulate or feed the ink in the fountain while the press is in operation, his hand is in danger of being injured, and he may soil the carrier belts with ink, causing the sheets of paper to be stained. But even apart from that, he would suffer the annoyance of having to watch a partially concealed ink fountain, and having to insert his arm in an inconvenient position to move the ink in the fountain toward the roller. These inconveniences and dangers are avoided by my invention.

31 indicates a device embodying the invention and including any suitable means renames the blade is in contact with the bottom aof'the fountain, and only thesection 34 is :imcommimication with the ink distributing roller 14. The said blade is ordinarily in relative proximity to the said roller, as shown.

The blade 32 may be made in various shapes, though it is preferably cut of sheet metal and may be flat, andsubst-antially rectangular. I

Tomo-unt the blade, abar '35extendstherealong,-andhas end trunnions 36, 37 journaled in bearings 38, 39 that may be mounted on the end walls12, 13 of the fountain. The bearing 38 is, preferably rigidly secured, while the bearing-39 is movable to permit release of the blade from the fountain. To accomplish this end the bearing 39 "may be constructed in various ways, but one of which isindicated. It can be made a part of a bracket "40 that is mounted to be removablemotion that is upward and endwise away from the bearing38, so that the trunnion 36 maybe released. The screws 42 are never removed fro'mthe machine, and the bearing 39 and its bracket structure always move with the bar and blade so that it cannot be misplacedor lost. No manipulation is required of the bearing 38.

The blade 32can thus be pivotedwith respecttothe said bearings toward or away from the ink roller' l4, wherebythe volume of section 34 can be varied according to the amount of ink to be contained therein. A feature of the invention is that this movement of the blade can be accomplished wholly from a side'ofthe machine, and in a convenient manner. Thus'a handle 43 is mounted o'nthe bar'35 in a conveniently accessible position at a side of the machine, so that the "blade can be moved without inserting the hand'beneath thetable. By its direction, this' 'handle may indicate the relative position of adjustmentof the blade. Thi's' fiect may be aided by the use of co-operating resilientm'eans, as, for instance, the leaf spring 44"that is supported on the feet 45 of the bracket 40, and to which the said spring 'ma'y be secured at 46. The adjacent end portion of the bar is of'octagonal cross section at47, providing surfaces at 45 tocoactwith the spring and aid'in settingthe blade.

In order to'retain the loweredge of the blade 32=in-contact with the bottom of the fountain,ithe-blade :is mounte'd inmovableire lation onrthe bar'35. For dzhis'purpose, it may have slots .48 there'm, through which pass the thumb screws :49 that are "threaded into the bar. These screws may be tightened for a predetermined setting *of the blade, or they may-be :loose to permit the blade to drop by gravity into contact with the bottom of 'thefountain, or to be pressed. into contact 'ztherewith, as by coil compres; S1011 springs '50 taking around rods 2551px tending fromithe bar35'and passing through suitable holes in lugs 52 struck from :the.

blade 32. The springs'thus act between the lugs and ithebottom of the 'bar35 to move the blade downward automatically. Two or more of the springs50 maybe spaced along the blade. .To lift the bladeiagainstthe force of the springs, a fingerpiece 53 may be se cured to the same.

The operation of the device will be clear from the foregoing 1description,:and it will.

therefore sufficeto addthatLthe ink isplaced in section 34 of the fountain'17. Due-to'the reduced cross sectional area of :this section, the 111k 'Wlll build up in height so as to assure a good gravity feed, and furthermore, to

equalize the distribution of ink even though moreink maybe consumed at one :point'than atanother. The roller 1+4also causes-a-churni ing action on the entirebody of ink. This results because the bladeis inrelative prox- In Fig.'5is shown a modification of theainvention iniwhich essentially the same principle hereinbefore illustrated is used but with various changes. In this arrangement .a blade '326ZISUS6flWh1Cl11iS curved or cylindricalm transverse sectiontofollow in a measure'the contour ofthe .inkdistributing device orroller 14. Thezsaidblademay be pivotally mounted-at54 ona ill'filTOW member 55 which extends all along the bar 35 and may be secured to the same by the .thumbscrews 49 passing through slots 48 to permit relative sliding movement of the member 55 up :and"

down with respectito' the bar. To move the blade automatically inward toward'theroller 14 and also downwardiinto constant contact with rt'he bottom of the rfoun tain, any suit'able means may be provided,

which maybe made resilient for simplicity and compactness. Thus leaf springs 56 secured to the bottom ofttherbar 35.at. spaced points therealong extend through openings 57 inthe blade3i2ato'engage the opposite side thereof. :Eachileafrspringimay have; a'screw 58 that is threaded into a bushing 59 fixed to the spring, the end of the screw abutting the .7

blade. To afford a good bearing with the screws, the blade has projecting cam portions 60 along which the ends of the said screws may move, and these portions maybe formed by striking lugs from the blade. The action of the spring 56 is clearly such as to constant- 1y compress the ink against the roller 14. The tension on the springs may be varied by the screws 58, and if desired, the tension may be made greater for a denser ink and less for a relatively fluid ink.

I claim: I

1. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having an ink fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in. communication with the fountain, of relatively stationary means dividing the fountain lengthwise into two sections, but one of which is in communication with the roller.

2. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having an ink fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication with the same, of a member within the fountain and extending lengthwise thereof to divide the fountain into two sections, but one of which is in communication with the roller, the said member being relatively stationary and in comparatively close proximity to the roller to cause the latter to effectively stir the ink in the communicating section.

3. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having an ink fountain extending there alon and an ink distributing roller in communication with the fountain, of relatively stationary means dividing the fountain lengthwise into two sections, but one of which is in communication with the roller, and other means mounting the first mentioned means in the fountain and permitting easy removal thereof from the fountain.

4. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having an ink fountain extending therealon g, and an ink distributing roller in communication with the fountain, of relatively stationary means dividing the fountain lengthwise into two sections, but one of which is in communication with the roller, associated bearings for said means in proximity to the ends thereof for pivotally mounting the same for adjustment toward or away from the said roller, one of said bearings only being movable to release the said means, and permit disengagement of the same from the other hearing for bodily removal of said means from the fountain.

5. A device of the character described, including in combination with a printing press having an ink fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication'with the fountain, of relatively stationary means dividing the fountain lengthwise into two sections, but one of which is in communication with the roller, spaced bearings for said means pivotally mounting the same for adjustment toward or away from the said roller, and other means to retain the first mentioned means in adjusted position and in the relatively stationary relation.

6. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having a fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication therewith, of a blade dividing the fountain into a plurality of sections only one of which is in communication with the said roller, and means permitting adjustment of the blade toward or away from the roller to vary the size of the communicating section according to the amount of ink to be contained therein.

7. A device of the character described, includin g, in combination with a printing press having a fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication therewith, of a blade dividing the fountain into a plurality of sections only one of which is in communication with the said roller, and means permitting adjustment of the blade toward or away from the roller to vary the size of the communicating section according to the amount of ink to be contained therein, said means including hearings in proximity to the ends of the blade for pivotally mountin g the same for the adjusting movement, the bearings being so associated with the blade and but one of the bearings being movable to permit the removal of the blade from the fountain.

8. A device of the character described, ineluding, in combination with a printing press having a fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication therewith, of a blade dividing the fountain into a plurality of sections only one of which is in communication with the said roller, and means permitting adjustment of the blade toward or away from the roller to vary the size of the communicating section. according to the amount of ink to be contained therein, the said fountain having an inclined bottom, said blade being movable with respect to the said means to contact the bottom of the fountain in any position therein.

9. A. device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having a fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication therewith, of a blade dividing the fountain into a plurality of sections only one of which is in communication with the said roller, and means permitting adjustment of the blade toward or away from the roller to vary the size of the communicating section according to the amount of ink to be contained therein, the said fountain having an inclined bottom, said blade being automatically movable downward with respect to said means to contact the bottom of the fountain in any position of adjustment.

10. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having a fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication therewith, of a blade dividing the fountain into a plurality of sections only one of which is in communication with the said roller, and means permitting adjustment of the blade toward or away from the roller to vary the size ofthe communicating section according to the amount of ink to be contained therein, the said fountain having an inclined bottom, and resilient means for moving the blade downward with respect to the first mentioned means to contact the bottom of the fountain. I

11. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having a fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication therewith, of a blade dividing the fountain into a plurality of sections only one of which is in communication with the said roller, and means permitting adjustment of the blade toward or away from the roller to vary the size of the communicating section according to the amount of ink to be contained therein, said means including a resilient member, the blade having coacting means to cause the resilient member to stop the blade in predetermined positions of adjustment.

12. A device of the character described including, in combination with a printing press having an ink fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication with the fountain, of relatively stationary means dividing the fountain lengthwise into two sections, but one i of which is in communication with the roller, and other means to constantly press the first mentioned means toward the roller to cause the ink to be compressed in the com municating section.

13. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having an ink fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication with the fountain, of relatively stationary means dividing the fountain lengthwise into two sections, but one of which is in communication with the roller, said means being curved in transverse section to follow the contour of said roller.

14. A device of the character described, including, in combination with a printing press having an ink fountain extending therealong, and an ink distributing roller in communication with the fountain, of relatively stationary means dividingthe fountain length wise into two sections, but one of which is in communication with the roller, and other means to constantly press the first mentioned means toward the roller to cause the ink to be compressed in the communicating section, and to move the said first mentioned means downward into constant contact with the bottom of the fountain.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

SAMUEL B. LESTNER. 

